The Great Value of Prayer

I was awakened around 5:00a.m. and after having read some passages from Hebrews, and then while accomplishing some menial tasks, my mind was taken to the model prayer left for us by our Savior, (Matthew 6:7-12).

"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

I went back to sleep for a time and awoke with these words which began to come forth at 8:23a.m. No doubt, the time spent with my beloved Dianna in reading a few pages of Thomas Brooks' Privy Key to Heaven last night has also had an influence in the words given to me this morning.

Oh, estimate now the great value of prayer
As through Christ we come to our Father with care.
Sometimes with words, and sometimes without,
Sometimes with groans, and sometimes with a shout.
The form less important, but come now we must
And call through The Name of The One Who Is Just.

He knows all our needs, and before we can ask
His pleasure sends often to meet all the task,
Of which He doth call us to be for His Name
In weakness, our Strength Is, Jesus the same!
Though often we know not exactly His will
He delights as we come and spend time with Him still.

Now with all confidence, Oh, let us draw nigh
To our Father in heaven, Who hears every sigh.
And though we be not what we ought to be yet
Bring by His promise, He will never forget,
But answer in love and fulfill all His Word
And fill us with joy, as His child He has heard.

Oh, let us then praise Him for all that He gives
Through Jesus Who's risen, and now with Him lives
To make intercession for all of His own
Til with Him in glory we're all safely home.

Michael E. Wood
March 12, 2010